My Biggest Pet Peeve about Stress Management Consulting

Confusion around the profession, the service, and the results. We belong to a do-it-yourself, self-help culture. Read a book, watch a video, and then go for it by putting what was learned to practice. I must admit that Google, YouTube, and I are good friends. There are times, however, when I need a more hands-on experience. Professionals provide a practical learning experience that saves time, money, and effort.

The benefits of learning from a professional are numerous. Engaging a professional provides an opportunity to receive a lifetime of value. You learn and perfect the action or task in a shorter amount of time. A professional can tailor the training to your specific needs while targeting your desired outcome.

Additionally, a professional provides guidance allowing you to “tweak” or adjust your actions for greater benefits. Mistakes are corrected and interventions implemented. Gains, even small ones, are celebrated to encourage continued movement and progress.

Third, by hiring a professional, you gain an accountability partner. We refuse to tolerate excuses and nonsensical reasons for inaction. Our responsibility is to help you reach your goal. We will encourage you sometimes with gentle prodding. At other times, we will push you with blunt, no nonsense reminders of your goals, ability, and support.

I write this article to clear any confusion about stress management consulting.

What the hell is stress management consulting?

I wish more people would ask that question. Stress management consulting has two components, prevention, and intervention. A stress management consultant teaches preventive measures that limit negative effects of overwhelming stress. To counterbalance negative effects of stress, stress management consultants teach stress relief interventions.

Who can be a stress management consultant?

Stress management consultants have backgrounds in health fields including mental health. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 25 years of experience in mental health. I have also completed extensive study and coursework specializing in stress management. The course of study included the following individual courses: Stress Management, Clinical Stress Management, Relaxation Strategies, Meditation, Alternative Strategies, Post Traumatic Stress, Self-Hypnosis and Stress Management Therapy and Interventions.

With whom do stress management consultants work?

Stress management consultants work with individuals and companies. I work with non-profit, governmental, educational institutions and social service organizations. My work experience and background are in these areas. For this reason, I understand the stresses that employees experience. I also understand the role environmental conditions play.

I can relax on my own, why pay for it?

Initially, hiring a stress management consultant may seem like hiring someone to tell you things you already know. This is far from the truth. The first step is to assess your true level of stress and ability to manage. Additionally, a stress management consultant will guide you to determine the true causes of stress in your life. I have found that many of us overlook the exact causes of overwhelming stress in our lives. This prevents us from addressing the cause and providing an effective intervention. Stress management consultants help you to get to the root of the problem.

You are gaining more than stress relief tips. You are investing in personalized solutions specifically designed to address your individual needs.

That is the difference between do-it-yourself and do-it-with-you services. First, you gain the experience and expertise of a professional with do-it-with-you services. Second, working together, the two of us will create a stress management plan that successfully brings you to your stated goal. Third, we will incorporate the plan into your lifestyle so that the adjustments you make are sustainable. Finally, you will be satisfied with the benefits you realize.

“I want to be happy, whole, satisfied and successful. What about you?”

Visit the M.L. Bailey Consultants website. We are sprucing it up, so please be patient with us. You may join the conversation like our Facebook page, follow me on Instagram and connect with me on LinkedIn.